Can food that has been held by TPHC for more than 4 hours be reused?

When food has been held using Time as a Public Health Control (TPHC) for more than 4 hours, it must be discarded to ensure food safety. The TPHC policy allows for food to be kept without temperature control for a limited period, provided that it is properly labeled and monitored. Once this time frame expires, the risk of bacterial growth and foodborne illness significantly increases, making it unsafe to consume.

Once food exceeds the 4-hour limit, consuming or reusing it poses a health risk, since the food may not be safe for eating or re-cooking. It's crucial to follow these guidelines strictly to prevent foodborne illness outbreaks and protect public health. In this context, discarding the food is the only safe course of action.